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Sagar institute of research and technology bhopal

Becholor of technology in
electronics and
communicationengineering

Submitted
to : prof.
Presented Shikha
by: 1.saif soni
uddin
qureshi
2.mohd
tamjeed
3.shazieb
khan
4.virendra
kumar
 vii

ABSTRACT

Manual wheelchair propulsion in daily life is increasing day to day. So, preliminary study of
human factors engineering is important in designing the wheelchair to be more ergonomics for
them in doing daily activities. The main objective of this project is to improve the existing
wheelchair in term of daily usage. It is focus on the use of simulation in analyzing the critical
parts of the wheelchair model and evaluates it in term of daily usage. Evaluate the critical part of
stress on the wheelchair which consists of seating support and wheel caster. In this steps,
applying the knowledge gathered from the questionnaire is use to make a design refers to case
data that suitable for the project. Several sketches were made and only three were selected based
on suitability of the design. Three sketches being draw into SolidWorks software and then go
through to simulation process by using FEA tools that is ALGOR software, the three designs was
analyzed using constant force with three different materials. From the analysis, the Stress Von
Misses was used to calculated safety factor. The result showed that, design 3 have highest value
of safety factor with material E-Glass fiber which is 2.77, followed by Steel ASTM A36 is 2.44
on design 3 and 1.95 on design 2 with material E-Glass fiber. The highest number of safety
factor is E-glass Fiber on design 3. So, the best selection of material is E-Glass Fiber for the
Design 3.
 viii

ABSTRAK

Penggunaan kerusi roda dalam kehidupan harian semakin meningkat. Dengan itu , kajian dalam
faktor kejuruteraan manusia amat penting untuk menjadikan kerusi roda lebih ergonomik untuk
pengguna dalam melakukan aktiviti harian. Objektif utama projek ini ialah untuk mengubahsuai
kerusi roda yang sedia ada menjadi lebih sesuai untuk kegunaan harian. Selain itu, memfokuskan
penggunaan simulasi untuk menganalisis bahagian-bahagian kritikal kerusi roda dan menilainya
untuk kegunaan harian. Menganalisis bahagian kritikal pada kerusi roda iaitu tempat duduk dan
juga roda. Pengetahuan yang diperoleh daripada boring soal selidik digunakan untuk membuat
beberapa lakaran.dan hanya tiga lakaran dipilih berdasarkan kesesuaian reka bentuk. Tiga
lakaran akan dilukis dalam perisian SolidWorks dan kemudian proses simulasi dengan
menggunakan perisian ALGOR, tiga jenis kerusi roda yang berlainan dianalisis menggunakan
daya tekanan yang sama dan tiga jenis bahan berbeza. Dari analisis, Stress Von Misses akan
digunakan untuk mengira faktor keselamatan.Hasil menunjukkan bahawa, reka bentuk 3
mempunyai nilai faktor keselamatan yang tinggi dengan bahan E-Glass dengan nilai 2.77, diikuti
oleh Steel ASTM A36, 2.44 dan 1.95 pada reka bentuk 2 dengan bahan serat E-Glass. Jumlah
tertinggi faktor keselamatan ialah E-glass Fiber pada reka bentuk 3. Jadi, pilihan terbaik bahan
ialah E-Glass Fiber untuk Design 3.
 ix

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page
EXAMINER’S APPROVAL ii
SUPERVISOR’S DECLARATION iii
STUDENT’S DECLARATION iv
DEDICATION v
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS vi
ABSTRACT vii
ABSTRAK viii
TABLE OF CONTENTS ix
LIST OF TABLES xiii
LIST OF FIGURES xiv
LIST OF ABREVIATIONS xvi

CHAPTER 1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 Introduction 1
1.2 Background of Study 1
1.3 Problem Statement 2
1.4 Objectives 3
1.5 Scopes 3

CHAPTER 2 LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 Introduction 4
2.2 Design 4
2.2.1 Principle’s Of Design 5
2.2.2 Design Guidelines 5
2.2.3 Design Process 5
2.3 Wheelchair 6
2.3.1Type of Wheelchair 6
 x

2.3.1.1 Manual Wheelchair 6

2.3.1.1.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of 7
Manual Wheelchair
2.3.1.2 Electric Powered Wheelchair 8
2.3.1.3 Sport Wheelchair 10
2.3.1.4 Child/Junior Chairs 11
2.3.1.5 Specialty Chairs 11
2.3.1.6 Institutional/Nursing Home/Depot Chair 12
2.3.2 Wheelchair Components 13
13
2.3.2.1 Frame
13
2.3.2.2 Upholstery
13
2.3.2.3 Seating Systems
14
2.3.2.4 Brakes
14
2.3.2.5 Wheels/Tires
14
2.3.2.6 Footrests
14
2.3.2.7 Armrests
2.4 Ergonomic 15
15
2.4.1 Ergonomics in Product Design
2.5 Anthropometry 16
2.5.1 Malaysian Anthropometric Database 16
2.6 Previous Research 19
2.6.1 Systematic Design Customization of Sport Wheelchairs 19
Using the Taguchi
2.6.2 Wheelchair, a Motorized Wheelchair with Stair Climbing 19
Ability
2.6.3 The Effect of Knee-Flexion Angle on Wheelchair Turning 20
2.6.4 An Anthropometric Study of Manual and Powered 21
Wheelchair Users
2.6.5 Wheelchairs Used As Motor Vehicle Seats: Seat Loading 21
In Frontal Impact Sled Testing
2.6.6 Evaluation of the wheelchair standards 22
2.6.7 Determination of the Normal and Maximum Reach 22
Measures of Adult Wheelchair Users
2.6.8 Biomechanics and Physiology In Active Manual 23
Wheelchair Propulsion
2.6.9 Effect of Wheelchair Headrest Use On Pediatric Head and 23
Neck Injury Risk Outcomes During Rear Impact
2.6.10 WC19: A Wheelchair Transportation Safety Standard – 24
Experience to Date and Future Direction
 xi

CHAPTER 3 METHODOLOGY

3.1 Introduction 28
3.2 Overview of Methodology 29
3.3 Drawing of Product (SolidWorks Software) 32
3.4 Develop Wheelchair Model 33
3.5 Finite Element Analysis (ALGOR) 33
33
3.5.1 Mesh Setting
3.6 Material Selection 34
3.6.1 Steel ASTM A36 34
3.6.2 Aluminium T6 35
3.6.3 E-Glass Fiber 35
3.7 Conclusion 36

CHAPTER 4 RESULT AND DISCUSSION

4.1 Introduction 37
4.2 Analysis of Questionnaire 37
4.2.1 Analyze Profile of the Respondents 38
4.2.2 Analyze of the Wheelchair User 40
4.2.2 Analyze of the Ergonomic Factor of the Wheelchair 42
Type
4.2.4 Conclusion from Questionnaire Analysis 45
4.3 Conceptual Design with Sketching 47
4.3.1 Design 1 47
4.3.2 Design 2 48
4.3.3 Design 3 49
4.4 Design With SolidWork Software 50
50
4.4.1 Design 1
52
4.4.2 Design 2
54
4.4.3 Design 3
4.5 Simulation Using Algor (Finite Element Analysis) 56
4.5.1 Stress distribution for Body Support (Load 1500N) 56
4.5.2 Analysis of Part 1 (Body Support) 57
4.5.3 Factor of Safety (Body Support) 59
4.5.3.1 Calculation of Safety Factor 60
4.5.4 Stress distribution for Wheel Caster (Load 1800N) 61
 xii

4.5.5 Analysis of Part 2 (Wheel Caster) 62

4.5.6 Factor of Safety (Wheel Caster) 64
4.5.6.1 Calculation of Safety Factor 65
4.6 Conclusion 65

CHAPTER 5 CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS

5.1 Conclusion 66
5.2 Recommendations for Future Work 67

REFERENCES 68

APPENDICES

A1 Survey Questionnaire 71
B1 Gantt Chart FYP 1 74
B2 Gantt Chart FYP 2 75
 xiii

LIST OF TABLES

Table No. Title Page

2.1 Anthropometric data for the overall Malaysian citizen, all 18
units are in mm
2.2 Summary of Previous Research 25
4.1 Comparison between three designs depends on different 59
material of body support
4.2 Comparison safety factor depends on different material of 61
body support
4.3 Comparison between three designs depends on different 64
material
 xiv

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure No. Title Page

2.1 Manual wheelchair 8
2.2 Seating position of manual wheelchair 8
2.3 Electric wheelchairs 10
2.4 Sport wheelchair 11
2.5 Nursing wheelchair 12
2.6 Anthropometric body measurement 16
3.1 Flow chart for Final Year Project 31
3.2 SolidWorks software 32
3.3 Finite element analysis (ALGOR) 33
4.1 Gender of the respondents 38
4.2 Race of the respondents 39
4.3 Age of the respondents 40
4.4 The wheelchair user 41
4.5 Duration of users using the wheelchair 41
4.6 The type of wheelchair used 42
4.7 The weaknesses on the existing wheelchair 43
4.8 Part of the wheelchair not comfortable 44
4.9 Part of the wheelchair that needs to be modified 44
4.10 Condition of wheelchair that meets their needs 45
4.11 Wheelchair Design 1 47
4.12 Wheelchair Design 2 48
4.13 Wheelchair Design 3 49
4.14 Design 1 50
4.15 Design 1 Split View 51
 xv

LIST OF FIGURES (Continued)

Figure No. Title Page

4.16 Design 2 52
4.17 Design 2 Split View 52
4.18 Design 2 (Modification) 53
4.19 Design 3 54
4.20 Design 3 Split View 54
4.21 Design 3 (Modification) 55
4.22 Testing on seating support 57
4.23 Analysis on seating support for Design 1 57
4.24 Analysis on seating support for Design 2 58
4.25 Analysis on seating support for Design 3 58
4.26 Column chartof comparison between three designs depends 59
on different material
4.27 Column chart of safety factor between three designs 61
depends on different materials
4.28 Loads and constraints as applied in ALGOR to Design 1 62
4.29 Analysis on wheel caster for Design 1 63
4.30 Analysis on wheel caster for Design 2 63
4.31 Column chart of comparison between two designs depends 64
on different material
4.32 Bar Chart of comparison between two designs depends on 65
different material
 xvi

LIST OF ABBREVIATIONS

ADL Activity daily life

ANOVA Analysis of variance

ANSI American National Standards Institute

ASTM American Society for Testing and Materials

ATD Anthropomorphic test dummy

CAD Computer-aided drafting

EPW Electric powered wheelchair

FEA Finite element analysis

FIPFA The Federation Internationale de Powerchair Football Associations

FWORS Fixed wheelchair occupant restraint system

HIC Head injury criteria

RESNA Rehabilitation Engineering and Assistive Technology Society of

North America

SAE Society of Automotive Engineers

WHMD Wheeled mobility device

WIRS Wheelchair integrated restraint system

 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.1 INTRODUCTION

Wheelchair is a transportation device used by people who have difficulties in

walking due to illness or disability. It is moved either by the handles or by turning the
wheels. Today there are many options and many different types of wheelchairs such as
manual wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs, and transport wheelchair. Wheelchair
consists of mechanical components basically such as the hand rims, armrests, footrests,
castors, seat and back upholstery. However, the existing wheelchair has weakness such
as not ergonomics enough to meet the users needed. Ergonomics can be defined as the
application of knowledge of human factor to the design of systems (Taylor & Francis,
2008). The first wheelchair was made for Phillip II of Spain. Later on in 1655 a disabled
watchmaker called Stephen Farfler built himself a three-wheeled chair to help himself
get about on. In 1881 the 'push rim' was invented which meant no more dirty hands for
wheelchair users; they could use the push rim to move the wheels and not get covered in
mud. From here wheelchairs have developed more and more over the years including
easy use, more options, lightweight options, and adjustable seats and so on.

1.2 BACKGROUND OF STUDY

Ergonomics addresses the problems of human comfort, activity and health in

environments. Selection of the proper seat width is important to comfort and stability. A
seat too narrow is not only uncomfortable, but access to the chair is made difficult. In
addition, a seat wider than is necessary makes propulsion more difficult (Kotajarvi et al,
2005). A seat that is too deep or longer than it should be, can restrict circulation in the
 2

legs, and causes the patient either to sit with his legs extended or to slide forward in the
chair. The backrest of the basic chair is made of a flexible material stretched between
the two side frames which are fixed with respect to the seat (Veeger et al., 1992). The
backrest should be high enough to provide support without inhibiting motion and avoid
discomfort. Armrest is providing support for the patient’s arms in a resting attitude, and
also provides lateral support. The function of the footrests is to keep the feet off the
floor.

1.3 PROBLEM STATEMENT

Existing wheelchair are limited in its function, such as it needs human force to
move it. The user need to move the wheel by hand and may getting tired using it in a
longer period. Besides that, existing wheelchair have weaknesses. It is not safety
enough and it is also not very comfortable as the shape and position cannot be fixing the
user’s body. This project is about to redesign existing wheelchair to be more ergonomic
that is important element of human factor engineering. In this project, the first
requirement is to evaluate the existing wheelchair in term of daily usage. The
questionnaires are distributed to the wheelchair user and the guidance to make a market
survey to collect a necessary data. Analysis of the questionnaires and adequate in study
of designing objects are important to make sure the new design fulfill all the criteria of
desirable design of wheelchair. Wheelchair design must be comfortable and safety for
the user. It is also should preventing from the serious problem occurred which may lead
to accident. The ergonomic desirable design of wheelchair which offers an appropriate
variable features and other elements which can be changed by the user that need come
out with a few designs and evaluate it according to human factor engineering and
material selection.
 3

1.4 OBJECTIVES

The objectives of this project are to:

i. Improve the existing wheel chair in terms of daily usage.

ii. Analyze the wheelchair according to human factor engineering and
material selections.
iii. Simulate the prototype of the product using SolidWorks and ALGOR
software.

1.5 SCOPES

This project is confined to the following scopes of study:

i. Selected the suitable manual wheelchair in terms of human factor

engineering.
ii. Redesign of wheel chair drawing using SolidWorks software.
iii. Analysis the strength of the redesign drawing using ALGOR software.
iv. Simulate the prototype of product by SolidWorks software.
 4

CHAPTER 2

LITERATURE REVIEW

2.1 INTRODUCTION

This chapter provides the detail description literature review done according to
the title of “Design and Analysis of Wheel Chair in Term of Daily Life Usage”. Since
the aim of this project is to redesign the wheel chair using Solid Works software and
ALGOR software. Thus literature review related definition of design, wheel chair and
handicap. Obviously literature review related with definition of human factor
engineering, wheel chair and ergonomic. This literature review will give an overview or
a brief introduction of the techniques that are suitable to be used in this project.

2.2 DESIGN

Design is an innovative and highly iterative process. It is also a decision-making

process. Decisions sometimes have to be made with too little information, occasion ally
with just the right amount of information, or with an excess of partially contradictory
information (Richard G. Budynas and J. Keith Nisbett, 2010). Design is a
communication-intensive activity in which both words and pictures are used and written
and oral forms are employed. Engineers have to communicate effectively and work with
people of many disciplines. Design is the human power to conceive, plan, and realize
products that serve human beings in the accomplishment of any individual or collective
purpose. It is a creative activity whose aim is to establish the multi-faceted qualities of
objects, processes, services and their systems in whole life cycles. Therefore, design is
the central factor of innovative humanization of technologies and the crucial factor of
cultural and economic exchange.
 5

2.2.1 Principle’s Of Design

Design is a complex iterative creative process that begins with the recognition of
a need of desire and terminates with a product or process that uses available resources,
energy and technology to fulfill the original need within some set of defined constraints.

2.2.2 Design Guidelines

A set of guidelines developed to ensure that a product is designed so that it can

be easily and efficiently manufactured and assembled with a minimum of effort, time,
and cost. There are some guidelines in design:

i. Aim For Simplicity

ii. Standardize
iii. Rationalize Product Design
iv. Use The Widest Possible Tolerances
v. Choose Materials To Suit Function And Production Process
vi. Minimize Non-Value-Adding Operations
vii. Design For Process
viii. Teamwork

2.2.3 Design Process

The design process is an iterative, complex, decision-making engineering

activity that lead to detailed drawings by which manufacturing can economically
produce a quantity of identical products that can be sold. The design process usually
starts with the identification of a need, and decision to do something about it. After
many iterations, the process ends with the presentation of the plans or satisfying the
need. Depending on the nature of the design task, several design phases may be repeated
throughout the life of the product, from inception to termination (Richard G. Budynas
and J. Keith Nisbett, 2010).
 6

2.3 WHEELCHAIR

Wheelchairs are a type of medical device that is used to improve accessibility for
people who are mobility challenged. Wheelchairs are used by people for whom walking
is difficult or impossible due to illness like physiological or physical, injury or
disability. In some form or another, wheelchairs have been used for many thousands of
years, but it would not be until the beginning of the twentieth century that a standard
wheelchair design would be developed. There are a number of different wheelchair
designs and models available, but they are basically classified as either manual or
electric.

2.3.1 Types of Wheelchair

Nowadays, there are many types of wheelchair that is available in the market. It
is design based on different shapes and functions. Beside its main usage, wheelchair is
also use for exercise activities. The types of wheelchair are manual wheelchair, electric
powered wheelchair, sport wheelchair and cross-braced wheelchair. Each wheelchair
has difference system and function.

2.3.1.1 Manual Wheelchair

Manual wheelchairs are the oldest type of wheelchair available and are either
classified as self propelled or attendant propelled. One of the first self propelled
wheelchairs was developed by a blacksmith over 300 years ago and used a hand crank
to move the wheelchair. Today, there are a number of different types of self propelled
manual wheelchairs, which are classified by their uses, but the most common type of
manual wheelchair is the conventional wheelchair. A conventional wheelchair has hand
rims which are attached to the outside of the rear wheels, which allow the user to turn
the rear wheels. The rear wheels are much larger than the front wheels and are typically
24 inches in diameter (Martel et al., 1991). The Conventional wheelchair usually offers
a folding design, so it can be easily transported, and has a steel tubes frame. However,
to reduce weight aluminum and titanium frames are also used. The seat is typically
made of vinyl, which is easy to clean (Martel et al., 1991). Attendant propelled
 7

wheelchairs, or transport chairs, often look very similar to a self propelled wheelchair;
however they do not have hand rims on the rear wheels. Instead they are designed to be
pushed by someone walking behind the wheelchair. Often the rear wheels will be much
smaller than traditional wheelchairs.

2.3.1.1.1 Advantages and Disadvantages of Manual Wheelchairs

Manual wheelchairs do provide great advantages over power ones that many
people overlook. For starters, lightweight wheelchairs are almost always manual. This
can be a huge selling point for someone who does not possess a lot of body strength.
They are easier to maneuver and even though power chairs do not have to be pushed,
there is always the chance that the battery could die. Another advantage of manual
wheelchairs is the fact that they can go almost anywhere. A person does not have to
worry whether or not the terrain is bumpy or uneven, like they would with a power
wheelchair. One of the main disadvantages of using manual wheelchairs has to do with
the upper body. Yes, the exercise is good for those who push themselves, however, over
time this same motion can lead to injury; something that wheelchair users try to avoid
whenever possible. Other disadvantages of a manual is having to inflate the tires and
keeping the body of the chair in line. Manual wheelchairs may not have all the bells and
whistles that power ones offer to handicapped individuals, but they can prove to be
cheaper and more efficient than the bulky power chairs.
 8

Figure 2.1: Manual wheelchair

Source: Simmons et al. (2000)

Figure 2.2: Seating position of manual wheelchair

Source: Panero & Zelnik (1979)

2.3.1.2 Electric Powered Wheelchair

Electric wheelchairs, which are also called power chairs, were first developed
during the middle of the twentieth century. Early electric wheelchairs were simply
manual wheelchairs that had been outfitted with an electric motor. Today, most power
chairs feature a molded plastic base, which contains the electric motor and batteries
 9

(Veeger et al., 1991). A chair is attached to the base and resembles a high quality office
chair, but usually has a higher back, more padding, and a headrest. The range varies, but
most power chairs can travel up to 10 miles on a single charge (Veeger et al., 1991).
However, environmental factors, such as hills and the rider’s weight, play a role in the
wheelchairs range. Most use a joystick control, which can be mounted to either the left
or right armrest. There are also a great deal numbers of alternate controls, such as breath
control. A remote control system is also available, to offer attendant propelled
functionality. Portable power chairs are also available, which closely resemble a
conventional folding wheelchair.

Indoor and outdoor powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are for use by
disabled people who cannot propel a manual wheelchair. There are criteria for using
some types of electric wheelchair. There are four types of powered wheelchair offered
because a user cannot propel or use a manual wheelchair:

i. Electric Indoor Chair - user controlled

ii. Electric Outdoor Chair - attendant controlled
iii. Electrically Powered Indoor/Outdoor Chair - user controlled
iv. Dual Purpose Chair - user controlled indoors, attendant controlled outdoors

Outdoor powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters are grouped into two categories,
class 2 and class 3:

i. Class 2 wheelchairs and scooters must have a maximum speed of four miles per
hour (6.4 kilometers per hour) and are for pavement use only
ii. Class 3 wheelchairs and scooters must have a maximum speed of eight miles per
hour (12.8 kilometers per hour) and can be used on roads
 10

Figure 2.3: Electric wheelchairs

Source: Simmons et al. (2000)

2.3.1.3 Sport Wheelchair

The most popular type of wheelchair for everyday use for a person with good
upper body mobility is the lightweight manual wheelchair, which also called sport
wheelchair. Lightweight chairs provide maximum independence of movement with a
minimum of effort. Many active wheelchair users also prefer the sportier look of the
lightweights compared with the more standard looking everyday chair. It should be
noted, however, that heavy or obese persons may be unable to use these types of chairs
because the lighter weight of the frame results in a reduced user capacity as compared to
standard everyday chairs. Once used primarily by wheelchair athletes, the lightweight
chair today is used by people in virtually all walks of life as a preferred mode of assisted
mobility (Mike Savicki, 1998). Three-wheeled chairs, also developed for such sports as
tennis and basketball, are also an everyday chair alternative. As the popularity of
wheelchair sports and recreation has increased, manufacturers have developed
wheelchairs offering speed, mobility and durability, allowing users to participate in
several different activities. The basketball wheelchair and the rugby wheelchair are
 11

examples of sport-specific wheelchairs. The racing wheelchair comes with three wheels
to increase speed and aerodynamics. The tennis wheelchair comes with an extended
frame for quickness and maneuverability.

Figure 2.4: Sport wheelchair

Source: Mike Savicki (1998)

2.3.1.4 Child/Junior Chairs

Children and young adults need chairs that can accommodate their changing
needs as they grow. In addition, it is important that wheelchairs for children or teens be
adaptable to classroom environments and is "friendly looking" to help the user fit more
readily into social situations. Manufacturers today are becoming increasingly sensitive
to these market demands and are attempting to address them with innovative chair
designs and a variety of "kid-oriented" colors and styles.

2.3.1.5 Specialty Chairs

Because of the diverse needs of wheelchair users, wheelchairs have been

designed to accommodate many lifestyles and user needs. Hemi chairs, which are lower
to the floor than standard chairs, allow the user to propel the chair using leg strength.
Chairs that can be propelled by one hand are available for people who have paralysis on
 12

one side. Oversized chairs and chairs designed to accommodate the weight of obese
people are also offered. Rugged, specially equipped chairs are available for outdoor
activities. Aerodynamic three-wheeled racing chairs are used in marathons and other
racing events. Manual chairs that raise the user to a standing position are available for
people who need to be able to stand at their jobs, or who want to stand as part of their
physical conditioning routine. These and other specialized chair designs generally are
manufactured by independent wheelchair manufacturers who are trying to meet the
needs of specific target markets.

2.3.1.6 Institutional/Nursing Home/Depot Chair

The least expensive type of chair available, an institutional chair, is designed for
institutional usage only, such as transporting patients in hospitals or nursing homes. It is
not an appropriate alternative for anyone who requires independent movement, as the
institutional chair is not fitted for a specific individual. These types of chairs are now
also used as rental chairs and by commercial enterprises (such as grocery stores and
airports) for temporary use.

Figure 2.5: Nursing wheelchair

Source: T.G. Frank

 13

2.3.2 Wheelchair Components

2.3.2.1 Frame

One of the biggest breakthroughs in wheelchair technology has been the

development of new, lightweight materials for wheelchair frames. Whereas stainless
steel used to be the only frame material available, wheelchair users today have their
choice of stainless steel, chrome, aluminum, airplane aluminum, steel tubing, an alloy of
chrome and lightweight materials, titanium, and other lightweight composite materials.
The type of material used to construct the frame affects the weight of the frame, and
therefore the overall weight of the wheelchair. The type of frame material also can
affect the wheelchair's overall strength. The two most common types of frames
currently available are rigid frame chairs (where the frame remains in one piece and the
wheels are released for storage or travel), and the standard cross-brace frame (which
enables the frame to fold for transport or storage).

2.3.2.2 Upholstery

Upholstery for wheelchairs must withstand daily use in all kinds of weather.
Consequently, manufacturers provide a variety of options to users, ranging from cloth to
new synthetic fabrics to leather. Many manufacturers also offer a selection of upholstery
colors, ranging from black to neon, to allow for individual selection and differing tastes
among consumers.

2.3.2.3 Seating Systems

Seating systems are sold separately from the wheelchairs themselves, as seating
must be chosen on an individual basis. It is important when selecting a wheelchair or a
seating system to ensure that the two components are compatible.